PSW125 - Human Body and Illness Management

Faculty of Continuing Education, Winter - 2025

Subject Title
Human Body and Illness Management

Subject Description
This subject introduces the student to the normal structure and function of the body systems. Common illnesses and diseases are explored and
the role of the personal support worker in providing client care and support for individuals with a variety of illnesses and diseases is examined.

Credit Status
1 Credit towards the Personal Support Worker Program

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Upon successful completion of this subject, the student will be able to:
1. Discuss the structure and function of the body systems. (LO 8)
2. Outline common illnesses and diseases according to body systems; integumentary, musculoskeletal, neurological, sensory, endocrine,
immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and reproductive. (LO 8)
3. Identify the role of the personal support worker in providing safe and ethical, person-centred care to clients with a variety of chronic
diseases. (LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
4. Describe abnormal findings in clients with common diseases and identify when and how to and report them. (LO 1, 2, 3, 6, 8)
5. Recognize the role of family members and how to support them in providing care for clients with chronic diseases. (LO 1, 2, 3, 5, 11)

Essential Employability Skills

• Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the
audience.
• Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.
• Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
• Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.
• Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.
• Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.
• Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.
• Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
• Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.
• Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values
enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment.
Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at:
http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to
supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic
misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about
how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.
Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or
activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance
are available from the Student Conduct Office at [email protected].

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities

The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require
accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and
implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes

Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such
as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream
instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work,
assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that
impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and
made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the
class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)

Topic Outline
Cancer care
Integumentary system and wounds
Pressure injuries, skin tears and ulcers
Musculoskeletal system and disorders
Neurological system and disorders
Sensory systems and disorders
Endocrine and Immune systems and disorders
Circulatory and cardiovascular systems and disorders
Respiratory system and disorders
Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary and Reproductive Systems and disorders

Mode of Instruction
3 class periods per week x 14 weeks. May be offered hybrid/or fully online.

Based on the principles of adult and participatory learning, this course may be facilitated by using a variety of methods including lectures, small
group and peer-led collaborative discussions, in-class process activities, role play, demonstrations, audio-visual materials, case studies, problem-
based activities, and/or assigned readings

Prescribed Texts
Wilk, M. J. (2022). Sorrentino’s Canadian textbook for the support worker. (5th ed.). Elsevier.
Wilk, M. J., Sekhon, N. K., Sorrentino, S. A., Remmert, L., & Kelly, R. T. (2022). Workbook to accompany Sorrentino's Canadian textbook for the
support worker. (5th ed.). Elsevier.

To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.

Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.
Required Supplies
Students will be required to access a computer that meets the Seneca IT requirements and are required to provide their own supplies for
assignments.
Required Computer Hardware/Software and Internet Access: Technical Requirements for Online Learning @ Seneca

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policy (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html)

A minimum “C” grade (60%)
is required in order to be
successful in achieving the
credit for the course.

Grading Policy GPA

A+ 90% to 100% 4.0

Grading Policy GPA

A 80% to 89% 4.0

B+ 75% to 79% 3.5

B 70% to 74% 3.0

C+ 65% to 69% 2.5

C 60% to 64% 2.0

D+ 55% to 59% 1.5

D 50% to 54% 1.0

0% to 49%
F 0
(Not a Pass)
EXC Excellent

SAT Satisfactory

UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a

copy of the Academic Policy,
available online (Academic
Integrity Policy ) or at
Seneca's Registrar's Offices.

Modes of Evaluation

No. Assignment Value

1 Test #1 20%

2 Assignment #1 20%

3 Test #2 20%

4 Test #3 20%

5 Test #4 20%

Tests may be multiple choice and/or short answer or alternate formats. These allow the student the opportunity to be tested on small units at a
time. Tests may be administered online.
Approved by: Lisa Harfield
Last revision date: Sep 23, 2024 1:08:40 AM
Last review date: Oct 7, 2024 12:15:00 AM

Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology